Itinerary
DAY 1 BOARD THE INDIAN PACIFIC IN PERTH
This morning you board the Indian Pacific and before long you’ll be travelling through the delightful Avon Valley. Take time out to explore the iconic train and its many creature comforts. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the Outback Explorer Lounge with fellow travellers in anticipation of your late-night arrival into the gold mining township of Kalgoorlie where you’ll enjoy an Off Train Excursion. OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Indian Pacific (L,D)
DAY 2 INDIAN PACIFIC, NULLARBOR PLAIN
Wake to a spectacular Nullarbor sunrise, then spend the day taking in the outback vistas before visiting the extraordinary and slightly eerie ghost town of Cook, home to a thriving population of four. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 INDIAN PACIFIC, ADELAIDE AND BROKEN HILL
As the landscape changes again and rich ochre sands make way for forests and farmlands, you will arrive into Adelaide in the morning where a range of Off Train Excursions are on offer. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Adelaide Oval or see the highlights of the city on foot or by coach. After a rewarding experience in the South Australian capital, return to the Indian Pacific to continue the journey towards Sydney. Your next stop is Broken Hill where you’ll have a choice of excursions that showcase the rich mining, artistic and cinematic legacy of this frontier outback town, before reboarding the train for dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 INDIAN PACIFIC, SYDNEY
When you wake this morning, take in the full spectacle of the Blue Mountains right on Sydney’s doorstep. After your arrival into Katoomba, select from a number of mountain experiences. See the majestic Three Sisters at Echo Point and the views at Jamison Valley before arriving into Sydney, marking the culmination of your epic transcontinental crossing. Make your way to your accommodation in Sydney. OVERNIGHT: 4 nights VIBE Hotel Sydney (B,L)
DAY 5 SYDNEY
Bask in the best views of the amazing Harbour City this morning. Upmarket Milsons Point on the lower North Shore is a great starting point to take in the sweeping panoramas of the city, Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. North Head Lookout offers unparalleled views of the cityscape. Head to Manly Beach to feel the sand between your toes and enjoy its laid-back cafés. In the afternoon, discover the stories, history and magic of the Sydney Opera House on an incredible guided tour. Evening is own arrangements. (B)
DAY 6 LEISURE DAY
Enjoy a free day to discover Sydney at your leisure. (B)
DAY 7 LEISURE DAY
Another day to explore Sydney at your leisure. (B)
DAY 8 BOARD SAPPHIRE PRINCESS® IN SYDNEY
This morning it’s time to check out of your Sydney hotel and board a cruise ship for the next stage of your spectacular adventure. Sapphire Princess® truly lights up the seas, serving up tantalising cuisine, dazzling live entertainment, and new experiences with the Discovery at SEA® programs. Relax in The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, or put your feet up at Movies Under the Stars® — whatever you decide to do, your time on board will be unforgettable. OVERNIGHT: 17 nights Sapphire Princess® (B,D)
DAY 9 SAPPHIRE PRINCESS®, AT SEA
Familiarise yourself with the layout of the ship today. A variety of everyday dining venues are available including Terrace Grill, Horizon Court, Amuleto Café, International Café and 24 hour room service. Choose from specialty restaurants Kai Seafood Bar^ and the Sterling Steakhouse^. (B,L,D) ^Charges apply
DAY 10 BRISBANE
Brisbane has come of age and continues to grow as a cosmopolitan metropolis with loads of appeal. Its elegant 19th century sandstone buildings sit alongside superb modern architecture and a cultural precinct lining the banks of the Brisbane River. The Queensland capital is also the perfect gateway to enjoy the fabulous Gold Coast. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 & 12 SAPPHIRE PRINCESS®, AT SEA
Enjoy today at your leisure. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 SAPPHIRE PRINCESS®, YORKEYS KNOB (CAIRNS)
With the Daintree National Park and Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep, Cairns is a magnet for visitors. A popular destination for adventurers from the world over, Cairns has an idyllic climate, beautiful tree-lined esplanades to stroll, and a wide variety of day trip activities to choose from. (B,L,D)
DAY 14 SAPPHIRE PRINCESS®, AT SEA
Enjoy today at your leisure. (B,L,D)
DAY 15 SAPPHIRE PRINCESS®, ALOTAU, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Go ashore to find white sand beaches, crystal waterfalls and awesome volcanic ranges. Now a peaceful retreat, Alotau in Papua New Guinea is the perfect place to connect with nature. (B,L,D)
DAY 16 & 17 SAPPHIRE PRINCESS®, AT SEA
Enjoy today at your leisure. (B,L,D)
DAY 18 SAPPHIRE PRINCESS®, DARWIN
Australia’s northern capital lies at the heart of the tropics and is home to more than half of the Northern Territory’s population. A popular starting point for journeys through the many attractions of the Top End wilderness regions, there’s also plenty of fascinating history to explore in and around Darwin. (B,L,D)
DAY 19 SAPPHIRE PRINCESS®, AT SEA
Enjoy today at your leisure. (B,L,D)
DAY 20 SAPPHIRE PRINCESS®, KIMBERLEY COAST (SCENIC CRUISING)
Renowned as one of the most important and spectacular wilderness regions on earth, you will get to see the beauty of the Kimberley from the ocean. The dramatic coastline framed by stark red cliffs has been identified as one of the least impacted marine environments in the world. With more than 2,600 islands scattered beyond the reefs, the area is rich in biodiversity and wildlife. Expect to see plenty of exotic birdlife as you cruise past this amazing wonderland. (B,L,D)
DAY 21 SAPPHIRE PRINCESS®, BROOME
Built on the back of the pearl trade, Broome is a wonderfully multicultural town on the rugged north west coast of Western Australia. This fascinating and diverse remote outpost boasts the stunning Cable Beach, one of the country’s premier beaches, stretching more than 20 kilometres along the coastline of the Indian Ocean. (B,L,D)
DAY 22 & 23 SAPPHIRE PRINCESS®, AT SEA
Pamper yourself with a treatment in Lotus Spa or indulge in one of the specialty restaurants. (B,L,D)
DAY 24 SAPPHIRE PRINCESS®, GERALDTON
With its superb Mediterranean climate, wonderful scenery and pristine beaches, Geraldton has long been a popular place to visit. A major port gateway to Western Australia, it is also a global haven for windsurfers with Coronation Beach one of the world’s hotspots. (B,L,D)
DAY 25 SAPPHIRE PRINCESS®, FREMANTLE
As Sapphire Princess® arrives into its final destination of Fremantle this morning, it’s time to disembark the ship, marking the end of your Northern Explorer epic adventure.